Physicians Formula Light Bronze Pearl Mineral Glow Pearls

Physicians Formula Light Bronze Pearl Mineral Glow Pearls ($13.95 for 0.28 oz.) is designed to give skin a luminous glow using multi-colored pearls that add glow and help to even out the skin tone. The “Real Mineral Pearl Extract” is supposed to blur imperfectoins and protect/condition skin with “antioxidant properties.”

At first glance, it looks a lot like Guerlain’s Meteorites that they launched in pressed form a year or so ago (which are no longer available). If you’ve never worn Guerlain’s Meteorites, you might think this is a perfect substitute. I don’t think it is–which isn’t to say Light Bronze Pearl isn’t a good product, but I don’t think it’s a substitute for Meteorites. The effect of the Mineral Glow Pearls is more pronounced, colored, and shimmery. Meteorites are soft, subtle, and more of a sheen than overt shimmer. I just knew the comparison would be made, and while it’s there in the design of the powder, I don’t think it extends to the way it looks on the face.

I think if you like MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes, you’ll like Physicians Formula’s Mineral Glow Pearls. They have enough shimmer and sheen to add lots glowiness to the skin. I did find that it seemed to accentuate my pores just a bit, but it was very slight. The texture itself was soft and smooth, and it didn’t have really chunky glitter in it at all. Light Bronze Pearl is a medium copper bronze with a champagne-bronze sheen. It did add both a bronzed color and sheen to my cheeks when applied. It wore well throughout the day (lasted until I removed, which was after twelve hours).

I like the design of the powder itself, but I’m not keen on the pearl they glued on top of the case. Mine was already a little loose, so I have a feeling it may disappear sooner rather than later. I also disliked it because it made storing it less efficient, because it added half an inch to the compact’s height. There is an included brush, but it was rather rough. The clear lid kept popping off; it’s not well-secured into place, so it seems to easily displace with very little effort (and sometimes even just a light knock on the back of the compact will loosen it).

There are three other variations available as well: Beige Pearl, Bronze Pearl, and Translucent Pearl.